40+ abandoned and browse cart SMS templates + tips to recover more sales

Reading Time: 15 minutes

Cart abandonment costs ecommerce brands millions in lost revenue every day. Abandoned cart SMS messages are one of the most effective ways to recover this loss. They reach shoppers directly on their most personal device when they leave items behind.

Text messages solve this problem better than any other channel because SMS gets read faster than email, and people check their phones constantly throughout the day. When done right, abandoned cart SMS can bring customers back to complete their purchase.

In this article, you’ll find 40+ proven abandoned cart SMS templates that work. We’ll cover both cart abandonment and browse abandonment scenarios. You’ll also discover optimization tips to make every message count and recover even more sales.

These templates and strategies are designed to help you reclaim revenue that’s slipping away and turn lost shoppers into loyal customers.

What is an abandoned cart SMS?

An abandoned cart SMS is a text message that reminds shoppers to complete their purchase. You send it when someone adds items to their cart but leaves without making a purchase. It’s your digital tap on the shoulder saying, “Hey, you forgot something.”

Think of it as a helpful reminder. Your customers can get busy or distracted and forget to complete a purchase. The abandoned cart SMS brings them back to finish what they started.

Here’s why this matters for your business. Cart abandonment hurts your bottom line, as every abandoned cart represents lost revenue and a missed conversion opportunity.

Since the majority of shopping carts get abandoned before checkout, several ecommerce stores face this challenge daily. eMarketer reports that 73.9% of all shopping carts get abandoned. And this happens for several reasons, especially shipping-related complaints:

This happens across all industries and business sizes. It’s a widespread problem that costs businesses everywhere.

You can calculate your abandonment rate with this simple formula:

Abandonment Rate = (Carts Created – Purchases Completed) / Carts Created × 100

Let’s say you had 1,000 carts created last month. Only 300 people actually bought something. Your abandonment rate would be 70%, which means 700 potential sales walked away.

An abandoned cart SMS helps you reduce shopping cart abandonment. It reaches customers where they are and works fast to bring them back.

How do abandoned cart texts work?

Understanding how abandoned cart SMS works helps you set them up the right way. The process follows a simple trigger-delay-message flow that runs automatically in the background on platforms like Omnisend.

Here’s how the system works step by step:

• Cart trigger activates the workflow: When someone adds items to their cart or reaches checkout but leaves without buying, this action starts the automation process on Omnisend
• Delay period prevents immediate messaging: The system waits 30 minutes to 24 hours before sending anything to give customers time to return and complete their purchase naturally
• Automated message gets sent: After the delay ends, your SMS platform (Omnisend) sends a personalized reminder with their name, product details, and a direct link back to their cart
• Smart exclusions prevent double messaging: Omnisend skips sending texts if customers have already bought something, which helps with managing browsing-based automations effectively
• Branded SMS short links improve trust: Your abandoned cart SMS should include short links that use your brand name instead of generic URLs, and Omnisend automatically handles this link replacement process
• Exit conditions stop unnecessary messages: Once someone completes their purchase or opts out, they leave the automation flow completely, so they don’t get unnecessary messages

Setting up these workflows in Omnisend takes just a few minutes. You can set conditions, such as a minimum cart value, to trigger abandoned cart SMS messages only for orders above a certain threshold.

To put things into context, here’s a snapshot of an Omnisend SMS flow, from initial cart abandonment to purchase:

How to write an effective abandoned cart SMS

Writing an abandoned cart SMS requires specific elements to drive conversions. Every detail matters when you have limited characters to work with. The right components make the difference between ignored texts and recovered sales.

1. Brand name

Don’t be an anonymous sender — put your brand name upfront or in the copy to get instant recognition.

Why it works: People scan texts quickly. Your brand name helps them identify the message faster, builds trust, and reduces the chance they’ll mark it as spam.

Example: “Hi Sarah, Jamie from Basic Piece here! Your cart is waiting…”

2. Shopper’s name

Include your customer’s name to make the message more personal.

Why it works: Personalization catches attention immediately. People notice their names even when they’re busy, making the message feel like a personal reminder rather than mass marketing.

Example: “Hi Marcus, your items are still available…”

3. Brief yet compelling copy

Keep your abandoned cart SMS under 160 characters. Use emotional triggers like urgency or scarcity to motivate action.

Why it works: People read short messages to the end. Infusing emotional triggers into abandoned cart SMS messages can motivate readers to act instantly, rather than later. Plus, clear, direct language removes confusion about what to do next.

Example: “Only two left in stock! Complete your order before they’re gone.”

4. Discount code

Offering discounts depends on your strategy. If you choose to include one, make it clear and valuable.

Why it works: Discounts provide extra motivation for hesitant buyers. This creates a desire to cash in on a good deal.

Example: “Use code SAVE20 for 20% off your order.”

5. Clear call to action

Every abandoned cart SMS should have a specific action you want the customer to take.

Why it works: Clear CTAs remove guesswork and show customers exactly what to do next. Specific language, such as “Complete your order,” works better than vague phrases like “click here.”

Examples:

• “Complete your purchase”
• “Checkout before it’s gone”
• “Claim your items”

6. Direct cart link

Always include a link that takes customers straight to their abandoned cart.

Why it works: Convenience drives conversions — the easier you make it to complete the purchase, the more likely people are to follow through. Direct links remove friction from the buying process.

7. Opt-out option

Include an unsubscribe option in every promotional text message.

Why it works: It’s legally required in most places, and it also builds trust by giving customers control. People feel more comfortable engaging when they know they can easily opt out.

Example: “Reply STOP to opt out.”

The order of these elements also matters for conversion. Lead with personalization (name + brand), follow with the value proposition or urgency, then include your CTA and link. Finally, end with the opt-out prompt.

This sequence mirrors how people scan texts from top to bottom while keeping the most persuasive parts upfront.

These elements convert simple abandoned cart SMS messages into sales recovery tools. When combined properly, they create urgent, personal, and actionable reminders that bring customers back to complete their purchases and ultimately maximize conversion rates.

Here’s an anatomy of a well-structured abandoned cart SMS:

Why abandoned cart SMS works so well

SMS outperforms other channels when it comes to abandoned cart recovery. The mobile-first world amplifies this power since people shop on their phones during breaks and commutes, adding items but getting distracted before checking out.

Understanding why SMS works helps you appreciate the power of this marketing approach. The data tells a compelling story about SMS effectiveness.

Here are the key reasons abandoned cart SMS delivers results:

• SMS has incredible reach: More people are opting into SMS marketing at notable rates. 75% of customers say they want to receive SMS from brands they trust. That gives you a direct line to their attention, which is something few channels can guarantee.
• SMS costs less than paid ads: SMS is more affordable than Facebook or Google retargeting campaigns. You’re paying pennies per message instead of dollars per click. The return on investment often beats other marketing channels.
• SMS gets read immediately: 82% of consumers check their SMS notifications within five minutes of delivery. Since people check their phones dozens of times a day, abandoned cart SMS messages usually land when shoppers are already looking at their screens.
• SMS feels personal and urgent: Text messaging creates a sense of direct communication. SMS campaigns have a higher response rate than email, with SMS achieving a 45% response rate.

Automated abandoned cart SMS messages outperform manual campaigns. According to Omnisend’s 2025 Ecommerce Marketing Report, automated SMS achieved an 18% order rate compared to just 0.24% for campaigns.

No surprise here, as we see that click rates for SMS automations were 147% higher than campaigns, and conversion rates were 118% better.

30 cart abandonment SMS examples you can copy today

Ready-to-use templates save time and give you proven copy that converts. These abandoned cart SMS examples are templates that can inspire you to create successful campaigns. You can copy them directly or adapt them to match your brand voice.

Each template comes with placeholders you can customize:

• Replace [Name] with the customer’s first name
• Change [Product] to the specific item they left behind
• Update [Company] with your brand name
• Swap [Link] for your cart recovery URL

Test different variations to see what resonates with your specific audience.

General cart abandonment

These gentle reminders nudge customers to finish their purchase without using discounts or creating urgency. They’re ideal for loyal customers who trust your brand. They focus on convenience rather than pressure, and the tone stays helpful and friendly throughout.

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Here’s an abandoned cart text message example on a smartphone:

Free shipping offers

These abandoned cart SMS templates add value without discounting your products. Free shipping removes a common barrier to purchase and makes customers feel they’re getting a deal.

Free shipping works because it removes the surprise cost that often causes cart abandonment.

As we’ve seen previously, shipping-related issues are the biggest cause of cart abandonment. Many customers abandon carts when they see unexpected shipping charges at checkout. These abandoned cart SMS eliminate that concern.

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Discount incentives

Use promo codes to motivate hesitant buyers. These work well for higher-value carts or price-sensitive customers who need extra motivation to complete their purchase. The key is making the discount feel exclusive rather than desperate.

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Here’s what a discount-based cart abandonment SMS could look like:

Urgency-based templates

Urgency abandoned cart SMS messages tap into the fear of missing out (FOMO). They’re effective because people don’t like losing opportunities. This abandoned cart SMS campaign works best when the urgency is real and based on actual inventory or time constraints.

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Follow-up message

Follow-up abandoned cart SMS messages are perfect for customers who need more time to decide. They also work as gentle second-touch reminders for customers who didn’t respond to your first message. With this abandoned cart SMS campaign, keep the tone gentle and helpful.

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Remember to A/B test different templates to see what works best for your audience. Keep messages under 160 characters, always include a working opt-out option, and double-check your links for accuracy.

12 browse abandonment SMS examples

Browse abandonment is another powerful sales recovery technique, but it works differently from cart abandonment. These shoppers showed interest by viewing products but never added them to their cart. That means they’re earlier in the buying journey and need a softer approach.

The goal of browse abandonment SMS is to nurture interest, not push for immediate sales. These customers need value and encouragement rather than aggressive sales tactics. Your messaging should guide them closer to making a purchase decision.

Understanding browse abandonment helps you write better messages. The right message can move visitors from interest to action.

The social proof nudge

Social proof works because people trust other customers’ experiences. When browsers see that others love a product, it reduces their purchase anxiety. Reviews and ratings provide the confidence they need to move forward.

These messages work particularly well for expensive items or new products. Customers need reassurance before making bigger purchases, and social proof provides that validation from real users.

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The value proposition reminder

Value propositions address common concerns and remind browsers why they were interested in the first place. These messages highlight key benefits or unique features that make your product special. This could be free returns, warranties, or guarantees to reduce the perceived risk of buying.

Focus on benefits that matter most to your audience. For example, eco-conscious customers care about sustainability, while busy professionals want fast shipping and easy returns. Match your message to customer values.

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The “back in stock” alert

Back-in-stock alerts are highly effective for browse abandonment because they solve a real problem. Customers who browsed out-of-stock items clearly had interest. When the product returns, they’re often ready to buy immediately.

These messages have some of the highest conversion rates in browse abandonment campaigns. The timing creates natural urgency without feeling manipulative.

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How to optimize your SMS recovery strategy

Great templates are certainly useful, but they’re just the foundation of a strong SMS abandoned cart recovery strategy. The results come from optimizing your strategy with smart testing and advanced techniques.

These tactics help you maximize conversions and get better returns from every abandoned cart SMS message you send.

Strategic optimization separates successful abandoned cart SMS campaigns from mediocre ones. You need data-driven approaches that go beyond basic messaging. The following methods will help you build campaigns that consistently drive revenue.

Master your timing with A/B testing

Timing is very important for your abandoned cart SMS recovery campaigns. Test different send times to find what works best for your customers.

• Test delay periods: Compare sending after 30 minutes versus one hour after cart abandonment
• Try different times of day: For instance, morning texts work for coffee brands, evening for clothing retailers
• Compare message sequences: Test single messages against multi-message campaigns over several days
• Experiment with CTA phrases: For example, “Shop now” might outperform “Complete your order” for your audience
• Track conversion rates: Monitor which timing combinations drive the most recovered sales
• Test frequency caps: Find the sweet spot between persistent SMS sends and annoying ones
• Analyze response patterns: Look for trends that reveal when your audience is most likely to buy

Start with basic timing tests before moving to complex sequences. Omnisend’s built-in A/B testing lets you test send times, message copy, and offers automatically to find winning combinations. Document your results carefully to build a knowledge base for future campaigns.

Test one variable at a time for better results. For instance, if you change both timing and copy simultaneously, you won’t know which drove performance changes.

Start with timing tests since they often yield the biggest improvements. Once you identify optimal send times, move to testing discount amounts or message angles. Omnisend’s analytics dashboard shows you exactly which variation won and by what margin.

Integrate SMS with email for an omnichannel flow

Combining abandoned cart SMS with email creates more touchpoints without overwhelming customers. This omnichannel marketing approach increases your chances of recovery significantly.

• Start with email first: Send an email reminder 30 minutes after abandonment and an SMS after 24 hours
• Use different messaging: Email includes images and details — SMS focuses on urgency
• Set exclusion rules: Remove customers from SMS if they click email links first to avoid redundant sends
• Coordinate timing: Space messages strategically to avoid overwhelming customers
• Track cross-channel performance: Monitor which channel drives more conversions
• Create unified customer journeys: Ensure messaging feels connected across channels
• Test channel order: Some audiences respond better to SMS-first sequences — figure out what works for your audience

Platforms like Omnisend make managing browsing-based automations across multiple channels accessible to even beginners. Without a steep learning curve, you can create complex workflows that feel seamless to customers. The key is maintaining consistency while leveraging each channel’s strengths.

Segment your audience for better results

Not all customers respond the same way to abandoned cart SMS messages. Customer lifecycle segmentation helps you send more relevant texts that drive better results.

• Separate new vs. returning customers: First-time buyers need reassurance, while loyal customers want exclusive offers
• Segment by cart value: Send larger discounts for high-value carts and gentle reminders for smaller ones
• Consider geographic location: Adjust send times for different time zones automatically
• Use purchase history: Tailor abandoned cart SMS messages based on previous buying behavior patterns
• Test message tones: Use professional language for B2B and casual messaging for younger demographics
• Create VIP segments: Reward your best customers with special treatment in your abandoned cart SMS message
• Analyze browsing behavior: Target based on product categories viewed in the past

Furthermore, advanced segmentation ideas include seasonal purchasing patterns and engagement levels. The more specific your segments, the more personalized your messaging becomes.

Common abandoned cart SMS mistakes to avoid

Learning from common mistakes helps you avoid costly errors that hurt your conversion rates and customer relationships.

• Don’t oversend messages: Limit to one to three texts maximum over several days
• Always identify your brand: Make it obvious who’s sending the message in every abandoned cart SMS message
• Use branded SMS short links: Never send unshortened URLs that look suspicious
• Include opt-out options: Add unsubscribe instructions in every promotional message
• Test all links first: Ensure URLs lead directly to abandoned carts, not homepages
• Optimize for mobile: Make sure checkout pages work perfectly on phones
• Avoid generic messaging: Personalization significantly improves response rates
• Don’t ignore time zones: Respect customers’ local time when scheduling abandoned cart SMS messages

Meanwhile, monitor your unsubscribe rates closely. High opt-out rates signal problems with your messaging frequency or content quality. Address these issues quickly to maintain a healthy SMS list.

These optimization strategies work together to create successful abandoned cart SMS marketing campaigns. Start with timing tests, then add omnichannel integration and segmentation as you get more sophisticated.

Frequently asked questions